Lockheed Martin has demonstrated the PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) interceptor’s ability to counter tactical ballistic missile targets during testing that took place at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. 

The testing took place on 7 November, during which two PAC-3 CRI systems intercepted two tactical ballistic targets, supporting the US Army's Field Surveillance Program (FSP) that ensures the reliability and readiness of the Patriot air defence system’s missiles.  

Additionally, the test also marked the 12th and 13th successful PAC-3 CRI FSP intercepts over a seven-year period.

The US Army-led missile defence flight test demonstrated the hit-to-kill capability of the PAC-3 family of missiles, which defends against threats through body-to-body contact. 

The test also reconfirmed PAC-3 CRI's ability to detect, track and intercept incoming missiles while meeting fielded reliability requirements, Lockheed says. 

The test was observed by representatives from the US Army as well as current and potential Foreign Military Sales customers.

‘PAC-3 continues its long history of reliability and readiness in the field and remains the only combat proven hit-to-kill interceptor in the world,’ Jay Pitman, VP of PAC-3 programmes at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said.

‘Today's global security environment demands reliable solutions. We expect PAC-3 interceptors to continue serving as an essential element in integrated, layered defence systems.’

The PAC-3 CRI and Missile Segment Enhancement warheads are high-velocity interceptors that defend against incoming threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft. 

Fourteen nations have procured the PAC-3 interceptor, namely the US, Germany, Kuwait, Japan, Qatar, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Romania, Poland, Sweden and Bahrain.